Reims France

Reims is a city of the Champagne-Ardenne region of northern France and is located approximately 89 miles east-northeast of Paris in a clearing on the right bank of the Vesle River, a tributary of the Aisne River, and on the canal which connects the Aisne with the Marne River. On its south and west rise the Montagne de Reims and vine-clad hills.

Reims’ current population tops 200,000 and is the largest city in the very old French province of Champagne, which is internationally famous for its sparkling wine, Champagne. Originally founded during the Roman Empire, Reims played an especially important role in French history since it was the place where the kings of France were crowned. The most well-remembered and beloved of these coronations was that of Charles VII in the presence of Joan of Arc. The Cathedral of Reims was demolished by the Germans during the First World War but was soon restored and played the same role in France as the Westminster Abbey did in England. It was in this Cathedral that the Holy Ampulla (Sainte Ampoule) containing the Saint Chreme (chrism), which was acclaimed to have been brought by a white dove (the Holy Spirit) and the baptism of Clovis in 496, and was used for the anointing, the most important part of the coronation of French kings.

Before the Roman conquest Reims, named Durocort?rum at the time, was the capital of the Rémi, from whose name that of the town was consequently derived. The Rémi voluntarily surrendered to the Romans, and by their loyalty throughout the various Gallic uprisings secured the special favor of their subjugators. Christianity was firmly rooted in the town by the middle of the third century, at which time the diocese was established. The consul Jovinus, a prominent supporter of the new faith, drove away the barbarians who invaded Champagne in 336 but recaptured it in 406, slew St. Nicasius, and Attila the Hun later burned it down.

In the tenth century Reims became a center of the intellectual culture when Archbishop Adalberon, seconded by the monk Gerbert who later became Pope Silvester II, established schools where the “liberal arts” were taught. Adalberon was also instrumental in the revolution which put the Capetian dynasty in the place of the Carolingians.

A serious revolt at Reims that was brought about by the salt tax in 1461 was cruelly subdued by King Louis XI. The town sided with the Catholic League in 1585, but submitted to Henri IV after the battle of Ivry in 1590. Reims was then invaded and captured in 1814 and again in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War and as a result of heavy taxation was severely impoverished.

In 1909 Reims hosted the first international Aviation meeting with all the great aviation personalities of the time in attendance. During the two World Wars Reims was greatly damaged but it was here on the morning of May 7, 1945 where General Eisenhower and the Allies received the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht.

Places of interest in Reims are the Place Royale with its statue of Louis XV and the Place Cardinal- Luçon with an equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. Centrally located Place Drout d’Erlon features many restaurants, cafés and bars as well as several beautiful statues and fountains. In the summer months one can witness a menagerie of locals and tourists enjoying the sunshine, and the winter there is an enchanting Christmas market.

Posted in France Vacation Guide